An Interpretive Phenomenological Inquiry into Type 1 Diabetes and Work

Emma Victoria Shiel (), Steve Hemingway, Rajeeb Kumar Sah and Kim Burton
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Emma Victoria Shiel: Mental Health Research Group, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Steve Hemingway: The Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
Rajeeb Kumar Sah: The Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
Kim Burton: The Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: There is little qualitative research on the support needed by workers with type 1 diabetes to effectively self-manage at work and maintain work ability. In this UK study, 21 workers with type 1 diabetes participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis and then characterised under the Psychosocial Flags Framework. Findings highlighted several obstacles to maintaining self-management, including systemic workplace issues (black flags), individual attitudes and beliefs (yellow flags), and workplace issues (blue flags). Participants generally lacked confidence in voicing their needs, emphasising a requirement for a more supportive, inclusive workplace culture. This indicates a need for employers to foster an environment where workers with T1D feel comfortable seeking support without penalty. Addressing unhelpful perceptions of T1D seems key to this, making increased knowledge and awareness crucial for the harmonious integration of T1D with work. But delivering effective interventions may be challenging, since they must account for the complex biopsychosocial interplay of obstacles to work ability that this qualitative investigation emphasises.

Keywords: type 1 diabetes; work; psychosocial impact; phenomenology; health; accommodations; occupational health; work ability; self-management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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